Spate of break-ins may be related

Five break-ins in Sterling since October are being investigated by the Sterling PD, and may be related, Police Chief Gary Chamberland says.

The first break-in was into a shed on Oct. 26, when a leaf blower was stolen, said Chamberland. The second break-in was a house on Michael Lane. Police responded to a burglar alarm and found an open door. Chamberland said after an investigation, a local youth was referred to juvenile court for that offense.

Three more break-ins were reported Nov. 14 on Newell Hill, Squareshire and Princeton roads.

"All were found by the homeowners when returning home. We believe these breaks are related and are currently under investigation," said Chamberland. "There was no forced entry into any of the house breaks. Computers and jewelry were taken."

He urged residents to lock their doors, turn on their alarm systems and keep an eye on their neighbors' houses.

"I can't stress enough to have people call us when they see something suspicious," Chamberland said. "Generally, if somebody thinks something may be suspicious, it probably is. Call us right away."

Chamberland added that often times in the course of an investigation, police will canvass nearby homes and learn that a neighbor actually saw a suspicious person or car in the neighborhood, but did not want to call the police for fear of being wrong or bothering them.

"That's what we are here for. We would rather respond to a call and find nothing, than respond to a house break and learn someone actually saw the perpetrators and did not call," said Chamberland.

To report any suspicious activity in your neighborhood, call the Sterling PD at 978-422-7331.